In a decisive Ligue 1 clash, AS Saint-Etienne secured a 2-0 victory over Montpellier, leveraging their early momentum to shape the match's outcome. The away team made a remarkable start with a goal just under 11 minutes into the match, setting a dominant tone. Their early aggressive approach, however, came at a cost, as they picked up two yellow cards within the first nine minutes, indicating a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Despite disciplinary challenges, including a red card disadvantage later in the match, their early lead was vital in their strategic game plan.

Montpellier struggled to exploit the numerical advantage after Saint-Etienne was reduced to ten men. Statistically, they registered only 4 corner kicks compared to Saint-Etienne's 6, underlining their struggles to create attacking opportunities. Moreover, with just 5 fouls committed, Montpellier showed less aggression, potentially reflecting a lack of urgency needed to break down a determined Saint-Etienne defense. The solitary shot on target from the home side emphasized their inability to convert ball possession into potent threats, which was a crucial factor in their defeat.

The second goal by Saint-Etienne early in the second half cemented their control, effectively dampening Montpellier’s attempts at making a comeback. Despite being a man down, the away team's defensive robustness and efficient transition play were crucial in maintaining their lead. The home side's inability to penetrate a well-organized defense was further highlighted by their limited shots on target throughout the match. In essence, Saint-Etienne's early attacking thrust and tenacious defense were pivotal in their comprehensive away win, despite the card-induced vulnerabilities they encountered.

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